Bookkeeper Arrested in School Thefts

Investigators have arrested Westlake High School’s former bookkeeper on suspicion of stealing more than $150,000 from the school’s student store, sporting events and other campus money-making activities.

Sandra Hofacker, 41, was taken into custody at her Simi Valley home Saturday after an investigation that began in April at the school, said Ventura County Sheriff’s Det. Jeff Hill.

Hill said Hofacker told him she took the money to support a longtime gambling habit.

Hofacker was charged with one count of grand theft with a special allegation because the amount of money exceeded $50,000, said Deputy Dist. Atty. John Vanarelli. She is free in lieu of $20,000 bail.

She has not entered a plea and a court date has not been set, Vanarelli said.

The investigation started when accountants with the Conejo Valley Unified School District noticed that money was missing from several funds at Westlake High School, said Gary Mortimer, the district’s assistant superintendent for business services.

Hofacker worked as a bookkeeper at the high school for 12 years before resigning just prior to the start of this school year. Hill said a camera installed by a private security firm hired by the district videotaped Hofacker taking cash from the student store.

The thefts apparently began in September 1999, Hill said.